US Bridges

Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek

PoorPosted for load

Morgan County, Alabama · 0.5 MI NW County RT296 · Structure no. 000867

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
1985 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesForman Bottom Road
CrossesCotaco Creek
Location0.5 MI NW County RT296
RouteCounty Highway 407
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.40303, -86.62407
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (1985)
Projected traffic25 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$233,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (1985 count).

How long is Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Forman Bottom Road over Cotaco Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.